It's strange that they think that Vernon and Jordon will play the same position. I thought the Fins drafted Jordan to play OLB. Vernon is a DE and has a lot of upside.

Quote:

Olivier Vernon, Miami Dolphins defensive end: Vernon capped off a solid offseason with Miami during mandatory minicamp. After moving 2012 starting defensive end Jared Odrick inside to defensive tackle, Vernon is now the early favorite to start at defensive end heading into training camp. The 2012 third-round pick received an additional boost up the depth chart due to 2013 first-round pick Dion Jordan's absence. Jordan could not participate with the Dolphins this offseason due to the quarter system at the University of Oregon. He also is recovering from shoulder surgery in February. Therefore, Vernon got a lot of valuable reps with the first-team defense and showed many of the flashes he displayed his rookie year. It’s no secret that Jordan, the No. 3 overall pick last April, will eventually supplant Vernon in the starting lineup. But Vernon did all he could to hold his spot and may be in the starting lineup for Miami in Week 1.

It looks to me like we've got ourselves the makings of a pretty great defense this season and well into the future.

The only things that concern me on defense are Grimes' health, Ellerbe's limited track record and whether Clemons can step up. Otherwise I agree that the speed element of this defense should have everyone very excited.

Fri Jun 21, 2013 8:42 am

Phins Rock

Phinfever Global Moderator

Joined: Tue Jan 12, 2010 11:28 amPosts: 7532Location: Massachusetts

Re: Rising Offseason Stock Watch: DE Olivier Vernon

My favorite thing about Vernon coming out of UM was how hard he played the run. I think he'll be fine on the strong side on 1st and 2nd down.

If he can develop as a rusher, Vernon, Wake and Jordan should make for one of the better DE rotations in the league.

Thank God Odrick is kicking inside...I'm still upset they wasted a year with him at DE.

Fri Jun 21, 2013 11:25 am

phinsfansc

Phinfever Draft Insider

Joined: Wed Jan 13, 2010 11:14 pmPosts: 3981Location: Columbia, SC

Re: Rising Offseason Stock Watch: DE Olivier Vernon

Olivier has a motor and him playing hard was never the question. He is a diamond in the rough as a pass rusher, but he is strong at the point of attack. If he improves his pass rush skills, and I think Kacy Rogers will get that out of him, Miami is in very good shape with him developing into an very, very solid football player.